Back to EveryPatent.com
United States Patent | 5,697,285 |
Nappi ,   et al. | December 16, 1997 |
An apparatus generates power at micro-scale dimensions that is sufficient to simulate the muscle activity required by the joints of robotic fingers. The apparatus includes a bellows device for generating a motion stimulus in response to pressure changes within the bellows. A configuration of programmable micromachined valves is used to regulate the flow of pressurized fluid within the bellows. A microprocessor is responsive to motion commands for controlling the operation of the apparatus. The apparatus is configured as an integrated device that is coupled to the articulations of a robotic hand via suitable attachment mechanisms.
Inventors: | Nappi; Bruce (15 Northgate Park, Newton, MA 02165); O'Brien; Donald Francis (221A Ash St., Waltham, MA 02154) |
Appl. No.: | 576643 |
Filed: | December 21, 1995 |
Current U.S. Class: | 91/519; 91/530; 92/34; 92/48 |
Intern'l Class: | F15B 011/00; F15B 019/00 |
Field of Search: | 92/48,92,62,63,64,34 91/513,519,520,525,530 |
2800055 | Jul., 1957 | May | 414/2. |
5014515 | May., 1991 | Krauter | 92/92. |
5018506 | May., 1991 | Danna et al. | 92/92. |
5019121 | May., 1991 | Krauter | 92/92. |
5067390 | Nov., 1991 | Negishi | 92/48. |
5079999 | Jan., 1992 | Negishi et al. | 92/48. |
5080000 | Jan., 1992 | Bubic | 92/48. |
5107754 | Apr., 1992 | Nishikawa et al. | 91/530. |
5317952 | Jun., 1994 | Immega | 92/34. |
5337732 | Aug., 1994 | Grundfest et al. | 128/4. |
5385080 | Jan., 1995 | Suzumori | 92/171. |
5410944 | May., 1995 | Cushman | 91/530. |
5474485 | Dec., 1995 | Smrt | 92/48. |